Honey Bandit & Young Fans Rally

Wow, I can't tell you what a fabulous experience it was to meet Honey Bandit's youngest fans.  Yesterday, Terri (Farley), Jennifer Gillespie and I went to Manzanita School, in Redding California.  We went to meet David Gilstrap and his fabulous group of fourth grade students.  These amazing kids, mostly ages 9 and 10, have shown more initiative than many people who are supposed to be mature adults.
 
There are so many people who yell and scream about the plight of the wild horses, but don't actually do or accomplish anything.  These kids saw something they felt wasn't right and DID something about it.  The kids all worked hard to raise money for Honey Bandit.  Through their hard work and creative thinking, they were able to raise $140.  When the class presented the money to me for Honey Bandit, they asked what I was going to do with it.  I asked them what they wanted me to do with it and they decided half for his vet bills and half for his food.
 
The kids also spent hours making posters.  The messages ranged from saving Honey Bandit, helping Honey Bandit, to one of my favorites, "throwing out the challenge".  The kids in David Gilstrap's class are challenging other schools to a fund raiser.  I am not sure of all the details, but I do know the prize.  We will be having a big party for the winning class!  Terri Farley has agreed to come back and the kids in the winning class will all get one of her autographed books.  There will also be fabulous food and fun.   Of course Honey Bandit will be the guest of honor, (as long as he is feeling good)   When I get the official version of the challenge from the class I will pass it on.  BUT THE CHALLENGE IS ON!
 
Looking in their beautiful faces brought tears to my eyes.  There was so much love and caring.  Many of them gave their allowances, mowed lawns, had a snack stand, scoured the house for change and did whatever they could to help save an injured and dying foal.
 
Honey Bandit was scheduled to go to the school, but due to his "cold", we decided it would be best if he waited for the big party.
 
We plan on taking their posters and letters to the Protest in Sacramento next weekend.  These kids are making a difference.  Their actions will not only help save the wild horses, but hundreds of thousands of tax payer dollars at the very least.  For the people who think "it's just a horse", well I think they forget, or simply don't understand the amount of money being thrown away in rounding up and caring for these animals.  Funny, but when left alone, they cost zero.  I personally would like my tax dollars to help with needs such as health care, or better yet, stay in my wallet.
 
Besides being America's Poster Boy to stop the Roundups, Honey Bandit is now being nicknamed, "The Million Dollar Horse".  The amount of money we would be saving is astronomical if we get the moratorium on the roundups.  We need a successful trip to Washington DC  and Americans must INSIST that the legislation be changed, not only to protect our beloved wild horses, but to save tax dollars.  If David Gilstrap and his fourth graders can make a difference, think what we can do together.
 
Honey Bandit fought the good fight, and now it is our turn.  He is doing well, although he is still fighting being sick.  He won't quit, and neither will we.  Thank you all for your help and support.